An alternative route from Christchurch to Greymouth is via the TranzAlpine railway. This journey takes four hours and travels a spectacular route from across the Canterbury Plains, through the Southern Alps at Arthur's Pass and across the West Coast.

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About Greymouth

Greymouth is the largest town on the west coast of the South Island and attracts visitors from all over New Zealand and the world. The TranzAlpine train ride is recognised as one of the world's most scenic train rides and connects visitors from Christchurch to Greymouth.

Located at the mouth of the Grey River, the foot of the Southern Alps and the edge of the west coast coastline, Greymouth provides an abundance of outdoor activities in a range of settings! Go surfing in the rugged surf, take a walk along the Point Elizabeth Walkway, cycle the Greytown-Woodville Trail or go fishing in the Grey River.

Gold was first discovered in Greymouth in 1864, leading to a huge increase in population and a bustling city centre. Today, the population has dropped to less than half of what it once was and you'll only be able pan for gold in a recreational manner. To learn more, pay a visit to Shantytown, a lively heritage park, which showcases the gold rush history and gives an insight into what life was like over 150 years ago.

A popular tourist attraction are the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. When it's high tide water bursts through blowholes in the limestone formations on the coast, it's an engaging and impressive show to say the least! Punakaiki is a 45 minute bus drive from Greymouth and the InterCity bus stops right outside the walkway leading to the Pancake Rocks.